The Carrot and the Stick

Thursday, October 20, 2011
Reading: Nehemiah 9:38-10:29
Reflection: When I was a little boy, my dad used to deal with me by using both a carrot and a stick. What do I mean by that? Well, in order to get me to do what I was supposed to do, my dad would dangle a carrot in front of me. The carrot could be anything I truly wanted to gain for myself. It could be a movie with my friends, a day of hiking in the hills, or a night spent at the arcade. The idea was that I would do what I should because of the reward I would receive. However, he also had a stick...which symbolized punishment. If I still chose not to do what I should, then my dad would give me some kind of punishment to motivate me. The overall idea was to use both positive rewards and negative discipline in order to motivate my actions. We see that happening in this portion of scripture. Toward the end of this passage we read that the people binding themselves to their agreement with both an oath and a curse. The oath is the positive pledge to do that which is right, which will then be rewarded by a watching God. Likewise, if they don't do what they have agreed to do, this same watching God will come in punishment in order to fulfill the curse. In essence, its the old carrot and stick approach. Of course, it is always best to simply do what we should simply because it is the right thing to do. There should be no need for a reward and no threat of punishment. But being the kind of people we are, we often need these external motivators to press us forward. So, as you go through your day, remember that when you do what is right there will always be a reward, even if that reward is simply the approval of a watching God. Likewise, if we do that which is wrong their will be natural and negative consequences. So, let's do what's right and enjoy the carrot and we have no need to fear the stick.